Bernie Ecclestone has cast doubt on the future of the Korean Grand Prix,
saying he has “no idea” whether it will remain on the calendar.

With two confirmed races in the United States coming up in 2012 and 2013, an inaugural Russian Grand Prix planned for 2014, and talk of possible races in South Africa and Mexico there has been speculation over which of the current crop might be chopped to make way for them.

The governing body’s rules only allow for a maximum of 20 races per season – which we had this year before Bahrain was cancelled due to civil unrest – although that could be changed with the agreement of all 12 teams.

Korea’s future is looking decidedly dicey. The promoter of the Yeongam event, Won-Hwa Park, said earlier this month that he wanted to seek a cut in the estimated £35 million hosting fee because of the huge losses the event is facing. According to local media, the total cost for the race this year was £52 million, with income from tickets estimated to be only £16 million.

Korea’s current deal, which runs until 2016, includes a 10 per cent escalator for hosting rights over its duration.

“There are lots of things in life you can’t afford, and you don’t have to have them,” Ecclestone said. “And it took us long enough to negotiate with them in the first place.”

Of the local lack of support, the 80 year-old added: “It was strange. They didn’t really get behind it. That was a disappointment because it was a big enough effort to get it on in the first place.”

Turkey has already gone while another race deemed to be under threat is Bahrain, whose contract is thought to expire in 2013 but whose politics might see it go before then. Japan’s contract expires next season, while Barcelona has been making noises about not being able to afford the fee. It could end up alternating with Valencia.